If you are considering developing a prototype of your new product idea, the value of having a professionally prepared prototype can not be over-emphasized. If you don’t have a patent, a prototype is valuable to demonstrate your innovation to a patent attorney or investor. If you do have a patent, a professionally developed prototype will help you attract investors, strategic partners or a licensing partner.
Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a common name given to a variety of technologies that are used to create 3-dimensional prototypes directly from CAD files or digitally scanned data. It can also be known as 3D printing. In general the technologies create models of material in thin layers. These additive technologies offer advantages in many applications compared to subtractive fabrication methods such as milling or turning.